From The Straits Times    |
a-asian-happy-healthy-skin

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As much as we dread it, it’s inevitable that once we hit the 30s, our skin starts to lose its ability to renew skin cells at a fast rate. Slowly, it loses its elasticity and becomes dry and dull as well.

But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a solution that can save your skin and you’ll have to resign to the horrible fate of saggy skin. In fact, there are many ways to restore collagen and bring it back to its original form. Here are five methods you can adopt into your everyday routine for healthy and plump skin.

 

Consuming nutritious foods

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Consuming fatty fish like salmon and mackerel can help with plumping your skin. These fishes are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are important for keeping your skin supple and moisturised.

Another food that you can incorporate into your diet for plump skin are avocados. The healthy fats found in them are key for maintaining the elasticity in your skin.

Studies have also shown that catechins found in green tea aid in protecting your skin against sun damage – the number one cause for premature ageing. The antioxidant compound is also great for improving thickness and elasticity of the skin.

 

Exfoliating

Photo: Watsons, Sephora 

(L-R) Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, St. Ives Green Tea Scrub

Once or twice a week, spare some time in the morning to exfoliate your skin. As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down. This means that it takes a longer time to shed skin cells and produce new ones.

Exfoliation ensures that the dead skin cells are constantly being removed and not accumulated, which can lead to dull and dry-looking skin. It also allows your skincare products to better penetrate into your skin, giving you the full effects and benefits of your products.

 

Massaging

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Give your face some TLC by massaging it for 10 minutes everyday. This encourages the circulation of blood and oxygen to the face, which in turn improves the collagen production. But remember to always massage upwards so that you are not tugging onto your skin and creating more wrinkles.

 

Masking

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It’s okay if you don’t consume collagen-boosting foods because collagen masks work too. Want a more natural remedy? You can also DIY your own masks with ingredients like egg whites, cucumbers and avocados. With these life-saving masks, you’ll have plump and smooth skin in no time.

 

ALSO READ: 10 SUPER HYDRATING FACE MASKS TO PLUMP UP YOUR SKIN

 

Protecting yourself from the sun

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As we’ve mentioned, sun damage is one of the top reasons for premature ageing. But we’re not telling you to coop yourself up at home with the curtains drawn. That’s ridiculous. Just remember to apply sunscreen whenever you head outdoors. It is recommended to use sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 which can block out 97 percent of harmful sun rays.

 

ALSO READ: THESE MOISTURISING TIPS WILL GIVE YOU GREAT SKIN